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Museum · Nápoles, Campânia
Certosa e Museo di San Martino
Former Carthusian monastery in the Vomero, now a museum, with a Baroque church, cloister and a large collection of Neapolitan nativity scenes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Certosa e Museo di San Martino
The Certosa di San Martino was founded in the 14th century as a monastery for Carthusian monks, just below Castel Sant'Elmo. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was rebuilt in the Baroque style, and the church received colored marbles and paintings by artists such as Giuseppe de Ribera and Luca Giordano.
Today the complex functions as a museum. The Chiostro Grande, the main cloister, has marble arches and a small monks' cemetery with carved skulls. The rooms display the history of Naples, with paintings, carriages, objects and historical views of the city.
The nativity scene section is one of the most popular, featuring the Cuciniello nativity, assembled with hundreds of 18th-century figures. From the gardens and terraces of the Certosa there are views of the bay and the historic center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours.
Best time
In the morning, when the museum is quieter. Combine it with Castel Sant'Elmo in the same outing.
How to get there
Funicular to the Vomero (Centrale, Montesanto or Chiaia) and about a ten-minute walk; the Certosa is just below Castel Sant'Elmo.
Tip
See the Cuciniello nativity and step out onto the terraces for the view. The museum usually closes one day a week: check before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Certosa e Museo di San Martino
What is the Cuciniello nativity scene?
A large Neapolitan nativity scene assembled with hundreds of 18th-century figures, displayed in the museum's nativity section.
Is the Certosa far from the center?
It's on the top of Vomero. By funicular, the ascent takes a few minutes.
Can you see the gulf from the Certosa?
Yes, from the terraces and gardens of the monastery you can see the gulf and the historic center.